Heavy rains have led to the deaths of at least 13 people and displaced some 15,000 people in Kenya, according to the United Nations. The U.N Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly 20,000 people were affected by heavy rains and flash floods since mid-March. The country has a history of flooding, with thousands of people killed in previous rainy seasons, especially in the lake regions and downstream of major rivers. As of now, nine out of 47 counties in Kenya have reported flooding incidents, with mudslides occurring in the central regions.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has been providing assistance to those affected by the floods, offering shelter and clean drinking water to those displaced and living in camps to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Five major roads were cut off by floods, including Garissa Road where a bus carrying 51 passengers was swept away, although all passengers were rescued. The disaster management agency issued a flood warning to residents of Lamu, Tana River, and Garissa counties downstream of Tana River after flooding breached dams upstream. Residents have been urged to move to higher ground to ensure their safety.
The heavy rains have also caused flooding along Russia’s Kazakh border, with almost 12,000 houses flooded in the region. More rain is expected until June, with the rainy season reaching its peak towards the end of April and subsiding in June. Mudslides have claimed the lives of five people in Narok county, in the western part of Kenya. Despite efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the floods, the situation remains precarious as the threat of more rain and flooding looms over the country.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is working diligently to provide lifesaving assistance to those affected by the floods, assessing the needs of individuals and families in order to provide the necessary support. With the rainy season at its peak, the risk of further flooding and displacement remains high, prompting authorities to issue warnings and recommendations to residents in flood-prone areas. The Kenyan meteorology department has been closely monitoring the weather patterns and issuing forecasts to help mitigate the impact of the heavy rains on the population.
Overall, the heavy rains and floods in Kenya have had a devastating impact on the population, with many lives lost and thousands displaced. The country’s disaster management agencies and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those affected, but the challenges remain significant as the rains continue. The situation is expected to worsen as the rainy season progresses, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in affected areas.
